Shreyanka, Radha Star as India Defeat West Indies in Women’s T20 World Cup Warm-Up
India kicked off their preparations for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a convincing 26-run victory over West Indies in their opening warm-up match at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on Monday, June 8. A fluent half-century from Bharti Fulmali and a four-wicket haul from Shreyanka Patil helped India register an impressive win ahead of the tournament.
With regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur away for the captains’ meeting in London and Deepti Sharma rested, India opted to test their squad depth. Stand-in skipper Smriti Mandhana led from the front after West Indies won the toss and elected to bowl in overcast conditions.
Mandhana and Shafali Verma provided a flying start despite an early rain delay, racing to 59 runs inside the PowerPlay. Shafali smashed 29 off just 13 deliveries, including five boundaries, while Mandhana struck eight fours in an elegant 39 off 23 balls. However, India’s momentum slowed after Mandhana fell to Aaliyah Alleyne, with Shafali and Jemimah Rodrigues departing soon after to leave the side at 85 for 3.
The middle order steadied the innings, with Bharti Fulmali anchoring the effort through a composed half-century. India eventually posted a competitive total, although they managed only 34 runs in the final five overs and missed the opportunity for a stronger finish.
West Indies began their chase positively as Deandra Dottin and Shemaine Campbelle put together a 63-run opening partnership. Campbelle retired out on 25, while Dottin kept the chase alive with a powerful 49 off 44 balls, striking eight boundaries.
India’s spinners, however, turned the contest decisively in the middle overs. Shreyanka Patil triggered the collapse with two wickets in the 11th over, removing Qiana Joseph and Jahzara Claxton in quick succession. Radha Yadav then dismissed Dottin one run short of a half-century, effectively ending West Indies’ hopes.
The Caribbean side slipped from 81 for 2 to finish on 153 for 8, with Shreyanka returning figures of 4 for 36 and Radha claiming 3 for 25. Their combined efforts ensured India secured a comfortable victory in their first warm-up outing.
India will next take on hosts England in their final warm-up match on June 10 before beginning their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign against Pakistan on June 14.
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